For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for March 11, 2015

Who was the chef (especially the great chef) when he got a college roommate: himself or Josef Myron Weeder (aka Weed)?

Have to smile. I was cooking dinner for my family many nights at about that age. Granted, that was a bit early, but it was doable. Seeing Michael having responsibilities is a good thing.

My mother was widowed by the time I was 9, and little bro was 5. She went to work part time, because she wanted to try to save part of Dad’s life insurance for us in a college fund. And I learned to start dinner when I came home after school. No biggie. You’re part of a family, you do what you can to help out.

Geez, I managed to cut up carrots with a kitchen knife when I was 9, and the world didn’t end. Is Michael some kind of super klutz who you can’t trust to cut a carrot?

At least in the last panel he’s holding his hands so we can count the ‘before’ fingers…I wonder how many there’ll be tomorrow?

Yes, absolutely. I was handling sharp knives, fire and 110v electricity by the time I was 8. `My mother had died and my father worked, so yes, I and my younger brother were home alone without adult supervision and thought nothing of it. And neither would any of the neighbors. Unless you’re a complete klutz knives and fire are not a big deal at that age. Maybe if kids were expected to be more responsible we’d have more responsible adults.

Sadly, like Father, like son. And the vicious circle continues. Lol!

Like to or not, apparently he has peeled and cut up carrots before, or he wouldn’t have a clue as to how to do it.

Why not?? I could use kitchen implements at that age. I could also light a wood fire, and I had a small hatchet for chopping kindling. I also knew how to use hammers, screwdrivers, and a handsaw. By the time I was 12, I was using power tools. My second husband and current partner were both amazed.

Ahhh, so Mike learns the Latchkey Game not necessarily going to go his way.

I did all those things and more when I was younger than 10… Kids are not clueless morons if their parents are doing their job and teaching them how to do things.

Been watching this attitude develop. Time for an adult to help with the adjustment of said attitude.

SPOILER ALERT

Anne was the banquet manager at the hotel, not a chef.

Most boys at 9 have a small pocket knife and are comfortable with knives. Also, I wonder which parent Michael got this “am I a housewife?” attitude. Brat.

There is a neighbor paying attention, one who years later (mild spoiler alert)

would be paying enough attention in the middle of the night to know a teen old enough to be home alone had to many lights on, even if the house was quiet, and check. An accident bad enough that she can’t assist, if they’ve seen him safely handle knives before, is unlikely. And between the ages of 8 and 12 I did start meals when Mom was working. My grandparents were next door, mostly, though Grandpa wheelchair-bound by the time I was 12. Mom didn’t put it together but the first few times I was left home alone I was told to keep an ear out for Grandpa, who was slightly more mobile then, because he was outside doing some light garden task. She didn’t realize they’d probably set it up so he’d be watching the house and could hear me easily, and with Grandma listening for him too…

I love it..When I was a “working mom” I made a list every morning, after the children went to school and before I left for work, what chores they had to complete before I got home, so that I could hit the ground running and have supper on the table after about half an hour and we could be off to our activities, but still eat supper as a family, and not feel rushed and not have snacks in the car…

Like father like son.

My kids have been using knives since they were 7. They were well monitored for a while, but now at ages 9 and 11, they are confident to be left alone. To think that a 9 year old needs constant monitoring is what a helicopter parent firmly believes in and does a great disservice to the child. Educate them first and the rest will take care of itself.

Just like I had to do and my father before me. I was also babysitting at his age — I don’t recommend it, but in earlier generations it happened. AND he had the option of staying at Annie’s.

It didn’t matter who was at home, we were all expected to pitch in and help — apparently a new concept to kids today.